If you are summoned to appear as a juror and believe that you are entitled to be excused for one of the reasons set forth above, please contact the Court at:

Dept 1 - 775-289-4813

or

Dept 2 - 775-289-1546

How Am I chosen for Jury Duty?

The Jury Commissioner maintains at random, a jury pool of at least 1,200 registered voters and utility users from which potential jurors for jury trials are chosen. The Jury Commissioner draws at random from that pool the names of jurors to serve as the jury panel for that particular week.

If your name is drawn you will receive a summons from the Jury Commissioner in the mail or by a deputy sheriff. This summons will indicate the date and time when you are to appear. you will also be given the Jury Duty Hot Line telephone number 775-962-5109 to call before coming to the Courthouse. This hot line contains a recording with the latest information as to whether or not you are still required to appear. it is not uncommon for trials to go off before the trial date, even at the last minute, so please use this service in order to avoid an unnecessary trip to the Courthouse.

How Long Will I be on Jury Duty?

Each juror who has been summoned as a prospective juror for any given year will serve the entire year. you may be called to the courthouse one or more times during the year. If you are actually selected, sworn and serve as a juror during the year, you will be excused from the jury pool for one year from your date of service.

Will I be Reimbursed for Travel Expenses?

If the juror, or prospective juror, travels more than 65 miles one way for court, the juror will be reimbursed up to $65.00 per night for a Hotel/Motel room (you will need a receipt) and 36.5 cents per mile travel allowance. Meals are not reimbursed.

Some Dos and Don'ts

During Trial:

DO arrive on time and DO return promptly after breaks and lunch.

DO pay close attention. If you cannot hear what is being said, raise your hand and let the judge know.

DO keep an open mind all through the trial.

DO listen carefully to the instructions read by the judge.

DON'T talk about the case, or issues raised by the case with ANYONE - including other jurors - while the trial is going on.

DON'T let others talk about the case in your presence, even family members. If someone insists on talking to you or another juror about the case, please report the matter to a court employee.

DON'T talk to the lawyers, parties or witnesses about anything.

DON'T try to uncover evidence on your own. You must decide the case only on the basis of evidence admitted in court.

DON'T let yourself get information about the case from the news media or any other outside source.

During Deliberation:

DO work out differences between yourself and other jurors through complete and fair discussions of the evidence and the judge's instructions.

DON'T talk to anyone about your verdict until the judge discharges the jury. no juror can be forced to talk about the case without a court order. After discharge, you may discuss the verdict with others, including the media, the lawyers, or your family. However, DON'T feel obligated to do so.

What is the Importance of Jury Service?

Jurors perform a vital role in our American system of justice. The protection of our rights and liberties is largely achieved through teamwork between the judge and jury who, working together in a common effort, put into practice the principles of our Constitution and laws.

Jury service is a high duty of citizenship. In addition to determining and adjusting property rights, jurors may also be asked to decide questions involving a crime for which a person may be confined in prison. in a very real sense, therefore, the people must rely upon jurors for the protection of life, liberty and property.

This material is presented to you compliments of Dan L. Papez and Steve L. Dobrescu, District Judges, Seventh Judicial District Court.